Lateral retinaculum plasty instead of lateral retinacular release with concomitant medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction can achieve better results for patellar dislocation

59 patients with recurrent patellar dislocation and scheduled for medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction were randomized to either concomitant lateral retinaculum plasty (LRP) or lateral retinaculum release (LRR). Patients were assessed over a minimum of 2 years follow-up for outcome primarily related to the medial patellar glide test and the apprehension test,, as well as the Kujala score and CT results. An overall significant difference between groups was observed in grading of the medial patellar glide test; more patients of the LRP demonstrated a test result of two quadrants movement, while a high number of patients in the LRR group demonstrated a test result of 3 or more quadrants movement. In addition, a higher postoperative Kujala score at 2 years was observed in the LRP group compared to the LRR group.